Baby won't sleep on his own

[Sparkle91]

Hi all, I have a 6 month old little boy. He sleeps lovely, but just not one his own! He co sleeps with me but on me!! And naps are always on me or my husband. Its taking its toll now. When ever you move him or put him down, hes awake with in 5 minutes. Have tried putting him down in his cot drowsy but he gets super upset. I've tried a mobile, heating with hot water bottle, something that smells of me, white noise, mobile, lights, music. Nothing works. He still breastfeeds at least twice a night. Any advice and help would be greatly recieved!!

[RachelModerator Moderator]

Hi Sparkle91 ,

Sounds like you've done a great job so far responding to little boys needs. It probably feels like forever, but he is still very young and it is completely natural for him to want to be with you.

There will also be developmental milestones coming up, for example weaning and these can affect a babies sleep.

Due to his age and stage of development, we would not be recommending any kind of sleep training, and waking twice a night is completely normal.

The most important thing at this age, will be making falling asleep feel like a nice and safe experience for your little boy and prioritising your own rest needs where possible, for example taking it in turns to have a rest if that opportunity is available.

Some people find baby wearing in a sling really useful, baby can nap and you still have your hands free to do things you need to. Obviously this is not useful for bedtime, but may be something to try during the day.

Has he spent any time in his cot, even when it's not nap time, just to get used to it, without the expectation of falling asleep in it? Maybe he can be in it whilst you put some washing away etc?

Its sounds like you have tried lots of different things to help. It is always worth revisiting things and persevering even longer as it will take lots of time for him to learn a new way of falling asleep.

Have you checked out the sleep advice section on :

justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/child...

Hopefully some other parents will be able to share some of their tips. A member of the Just One Number team would be happy to chat through any sleep questions you have too. We are available Monday-Friday 8-6 and Saturday, 9-1 on 0300 300 0123

Best Wishes,

Rachel - Assistant Practitioner